Reports indicate that Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR) is planning to make its API for livestreaming open in order to let media firms and other content owners broadcast their content live on the microblogging platform. At the moment, these organizations have to get into agreements with Twitter before they can make use of this feature. The same applies to Periscope, a video app owned by Twitter.
King of Live events
Since Twitter launched Periscope, opening up its livestreaming API would constitute one of the biggest moves made by the social media company to promote video. Twitter has proven to be a force to reckon with in regards to live events. This has become clear during such events as the Super Bowl and the Oscars.
Some of the livestreaming deals that Twitter has previously signed have involved sports content. In 2016 for instance, Twitter streamed games from the National Football League totaling 10 on Thursday nights.
E-sport tournaments
The social media firm will also stream e-sport tournaments and has this year signed up to livestream 15 such tournaments. Twitter and the NLL (National Lacrosse League) have also entered into a deal that will run for two years to livestream one NLL game every week. Highlights will also be livestreamed.
According to the report, the move will be supplemental to Periscope and will not seek to replace it. However, the open API will not be available to regular Twitter users but will be restricted to media partners. Regular users of Twitter will have to use Periscope for livestreaming.
Rivals watch out
The development is likely to heighten competition between Twitter and Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) Live. The latter has already entered into agreements with organizations that use it regularly. This includes Major League Soccer. Facebook has also entered into partnerships with publishers such as Buzzfeed and The New York Times to make content. The Palo Alto, California-based internet company is also commissioning content in a move that is reminiscent of the traditional television industry. This is through a division that is headed by Ricky Van Veen, the founder of College Humor.
On Thursday shares of Twitter Inc rose by 1.06% to close the day at $15.19.